Green Tips
Pesticide Management
- Pesticides can come in many different forms including sprays, weed killer, weed n’ feed fertilizer mixes, foggers, rodent baits and other products.
- Pesticides include products applied by pest control and landscape services, or products purchased at grocery or hardware stores.
- Words like “caution”, warning”, “danger” and “poison” on the label are indicators of products containing pesticides or other dangerous chemicals.
- Prevent insects, rodents and weeds through good sanitation and maintenance. If a pest problem occurs, first try physical removal through trapping, cleaning or hand weeding before using any form of pesticide
To prevent exposure to pesticide residue that may be present after application, ventilate rooms thoroughly and clean surfaces with water before children re-enter the building
For pesticide applications outside the building or on the grounds, wash sidewalks with water and irrigate landscapes thoroughly before children re-enter the site.
Pest Prevention
You can reduce your need for pesticides and pest control by eliminating conditions that attract insects and rodents in the first place. Follow these easy pest prevention techniques:
- Keep garbage and recycling containers covered at all times.
- Clean up spills & food waste immediately and keep food storage areas clean and organized.
- Make sure there are no holes or spaces around pipes, windows or doors for pests to enter.
Cleaning & Disinfecting
Cleaning products that claim to be “natural”, “non-toxic” or “bio-degradable” may still contain harsh ingredients. Don’t choose products based on these words alone. Only select products that list all ingredients on the label. If you are unsure about an ingredient, check with the third-party certification programs or guides.
Kitchen-grade materials commonly used to make homemade cleaners include vinegar, liquid soap and lemon juice or lavender oil mixed with water. All cleaning and disinfecting products, including “green” products and homemade cleaners, should be properly labeled and stored out of reach and sight of children.
Studies demonstrate that there are no benefits of anti-bacterial soaps over proper hand washing. Have children use regular hand soap and rub vigorously while singing the “ABC” song once or the “Happy Birthday” song twice. Click here to download an info-sheet about healthy hand washing.
Air Quality & Asthma Triggers
GreenCare Tips 1:
Indoor air quality can be compromised by hazards such as formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), radon, mold and other dangerous compounds that can harm children with asthma, allergies or chemical sensitivities.
Open windows and doors or use fans or an air filtration system so there are no noticeable odors in the room to help remove airborne hazards from rooms and enclosed spaces.
Children with asthma may react to strong odors or perfumes, even if they are natural. Avoid using any product with a strong scent indoors.
GreenCare Tips 2:
Wall-to-wall carpet can trap dust mites, dirt and mold, and can release VOCs and other chemicals into the room. These compounds can be harmful to children with asthma, allergies or chemical sensitivities.
Wood, bamboo or cork floors with small, easily cleaned area rugs are the safest alternative.
GreenCare Tips 3:
Mold and mildew are common asthma triggers. By allowing for good air circulation and keeping humidity under 60%, you can reduce the growth of mold and mildew.
De-humidifiers, fans and heat help lower the humidity. Open doors and windows or use fans and air filtration systems help to circulate the air.
Common Lead Exposure
Work on any building or structure built before January 1978 must use "lead safe" work practices to ensure lead in old paint and other building components is safety contained and cleaned up.
If you are having construction, painting or remodeling work done on a building built before 1978 you can find examples of safe work practices on the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development website under "Resident Protection and Work Site Preparation". See Resources & Links
Toys, Supplies and Fixtures
The Art and Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) evaluates and certifies art and craft materials as non-toxic. The American Society for Testing and Materials (now known as ASTM International) is a voluntary standards development organization that has established guidelines for labeling of non-toxic art products (D-4236). See Resources & Links for more information on both of these organizations and a list of certified products.
Wood treated with preservatives usually has small symmetrical holes punched in the surface. Several wood preservatives can release toxins for years or even decades.
Sealing the toxins into the wood is difficult and requires regular maintenance. Therefore, high-contact structures should not be made of treated lumber.